Thanks for your interest in Volunteering.
Please note: We do not have any roles available on weekends or evenings
Be trained to support the Music, Art and Child Life Therapy Department. This role includes selecting toys and equipment to patients on the three children's wards; developing resources; preparing and washing toys; and spending time playing with children either bedside or in playrooms/playgrounds. This is a support role that ensures that the therapists are able to deliver the best care to patients. This position would be ideally suited to those with a background or interest in children's services or teaching. Shifts are negotiable.
Work with the health care team to provide support and assistance to paediatric patients and their families while in the Emergency Department. The role would suit someone with excellent communication skills and the ability to work with children of all ages. The role also involves making up craft packs to hand out to children. Limited shifts are available, afternoons only.
Opportunities are available for those with library experience or a love of books to assist in running our purpose-built library for children (Book Nook). The library offers a wide variety of paperback books. The role involves visiting children on the wards using our mobile trolley, advising children and families on the range of books on offer, cleaning returned books, organising and re-shelving books. The role does not typically involve reading to children.
Volunteers provide support by equipping children and their parents with resources from our mobile "Boredom Busters" Trolley. This trolley includes colouring books, pencils, stickers, LEGO, sensory items, and personal care products. A friendly and approachable personality, along with skills and a keen interest in working with children of all ages, is essential. Knowledge of various craft activities and games to entertain children, as well as the ability to work in busy, highly visible waiting rooms and wards, is also required. This position is perfect for a student with an interest in child development or healthcare. Typically, shifts will range from 1 to 2 hours starting at 12:30 pm.
Located off site at First Steps Parenting Centre in Wallsend. The role involves assisting staff with babies and toddlers whilst their parents attend Education sessions in the adjacent room. The role usually runs for 2.5 hours per week during school hours.
Families at the hospital that come from outside the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie area may find it difficult to be with their sick child due to the distance, work commitments, or other children in the family. Ward Grandparents can be a great support to the family for the duration of their stay. The role would suit retired people who live in close proximity to the Hospital. Ward Grandparents are usually rostered one day per week and are supported by our Social Work department. In order to apply for this role, you will need to contact the Association for Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare. Become a Ward Grandparent - Association for the Wellbeing of Children in Healthcare (awch.org.au)
If you enjoy simple crafts and colouring, the creative craft station could be your ideal role. It involves interacting with children and their carers while they wait for appointments. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy interacting with the public, possess a friendly and outgoing demeanour, and can connect with children across various age groups. The role typically takes place in the mornings and often revolves around a specific theme, such as Mother's Day, Book Week, and so on.
